NEW DELHI: The political slugfest between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party over the Ram Mandir donation controversy intensified, with Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta launching a blistering counterattack against AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal after he dismissed BJP national president Nitin Nabin with a “Who are you?” remark.The sharp exchange is part of an escalating political battle over allegations surrounding the Ram Mandir donation row, with both sides trading sharp attacks as the investigation continues.The war of words began after Nitin Nabin targeted the opposition over what he described as its “silence” whenever Hindu deities were insulted.Addressing the BJP’s Shakti Kendra Sanyojak Sammelan in Lucknow, Nabin said, “Today, I want to tell Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Kejriwal that you do not consider the Hindu religion so weak that people will fall for your rhetoric.”“Because when your people insult Hindu deities, you all remain silent. The people of UP and the country will never tolerate the insult to Sanatan. We have preserved our heritage, for which our ancestors even made sacrifices,” he added, as the BJP stepped up its outreach ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.Kejriwal responded to Nabin’s remarks with a terse retort: “Who are you?”The comment prompted a strong response from Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, who accused the former Delhi chief minister of allowing political frustration to turn into arrogance.In a post on X, Gupta first introduced Nabin while highlighting his political journey and credentials.“Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Mr. Nitin Nabin, aged 46, is the youngest-ever national president of the world’s largest political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party. He has had the honor of representing the Bankipur Assembly constituency in Bihar for four consecutive terms. Starting as an activist in the Yuva Morcha, he has journeyed all the way to becoming the party’s national president. Currently, he has been elected as a member of the upper house of Parliament in the world’s largest democracy. This is a brief introduction to him,” the chief minister said.She then launched a direct attack on Kejriwal, saying: “Everyone knows you’re feeling desperate and disheartened. But it seems your ego is still riding high in the seventh heaven!” she said.Drawing a parallel with a similar remark once made by former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee about Union home minister Amit Shah, Gupta added, “By the way, Mamata ji once asked too, ‘Who is this Amit Shah?’ Time answers every question. Even Ravana’s arrogance couldn’t hold; who are you to think yours will?”The political confrontation comes against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations, an issue on which the AAP has repeatedly sought to corner the BJP and the Centre.The investigation also moved forward on Saturday after police sources said the Ayodhya Police had secured court permission to question five of the eight accused currently lodged in jail in connection with the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case.The accused, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Manish Yadav, are expected to be questioned inside the jail, with investigators set to formally record their statements. Police sources said custodial interrogation could be sought later if required.Amid the controversy, the Ayodhya Sant Mandal has extended its support to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and urged the Trust not to accept his resignation.